Full-Day Tour to 7 Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery
$69,12
Combine a visit to the Rila Monastery with a walk through the natural wonders of the Rila Mountains. Take a hike to the 7 Rila Lakes in the Panichishte region. Then explore one of the most important Orthodox churches in Bulgaria.
Tour to 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery highlights:
- See the pearls of the 7 Rila Laked, such as The Fish Lake, The Twins, and The Trefoil
- Visit the Rila Monastery, the oldest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria
- Discover Rila’s tumultuous past at the monastery’s museum
- Tour tailored to match your fitness level
Description
Full-Day Tour to 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery
Our tour to 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery combines a trip to the Rila Monastery with a walk through the Rila Mountains.
Take a hike to the 7 Rila Lakes in the Panichishte area, before visiting one of the most famous Orthodox churches in Bulgaria.
A full-day tour to 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery is planned for active people who want to pair a journey to natural wonders with a trip to the most visited tourist attraction in Bulgaria, the majestic Rila Monastery.
Departing from Sofia, you’ll head for the Rila Mountains, where you’ll enjoy a mild trek through what is perhaps the most respected area in the mountains, the 7 Rila Lakes. After a transfer of approximately 90 minutes, you will reach the Panichishte region, where you will board a chair lift to the Rila Lakes hut.
The 7 Rila Lakes are located at an altitude of between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Surrounded by steep mountains and dark valleys, you’ll see spectacular views as you pass through its pearls, such as The Nose, The Tear, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake.
The route can be changed on the spot, following gentler or steeper routes, based on your fitness level. Upon visiting all the lakes, travel for approximately 90 minutes to the Rila Monastery, the largest and most important icon of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Behind the walls of 65 feet (20 meters) are impressive monastery buildings, including a church and a chapel with valuable murals. The most important historical and architectural monuments of the monastery include the 14th-century Hrelyo Castle, the 5th-century Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church, and the current 19th-century monastery kitchen.
You will also explore the rich museum of the monastery, which contains a valuable collection of old manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets, and wrought iron objects, and a library containing more than 16,000 books.
Additional information
| Travel experience | |
|---|---|
| Duration | |
| Time of Day | |
| Services & specials | Free cancellation, Live tour guide, Mobile ticketing, Small group |
| Includes | |
| Does not include | Admission tickets, Food and drinks, Pick-up, Tips (optional) |
| Important information | Please note that the tour is subject to weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift. In case of last-minute cancelation due to harsh weather conditions or chairlift closure, a 100% refund will be offered. The hike can be slippery and there may be snow in the area. Some of the lakes may be frozen and snow-covered as well. Please wear appropriate hiking boots, warm layers, and waterproof clothes. The hike can be physically demanding so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Not suitable for wheelchair users. |
